Extension/Changing conditions on work permit

I've been working in Canada for the past 3 years under the Post Graduate Work Permit Program, which only allows 3 years of employment.
I've also applied for PR under the family class (my wife's a Citizen), and hope to hear back from immigration regarding this by January 2012.

The three years for my work permit will be up in September of 2011, and I'm wondering if there's anyway I can extend my work permit...at least until January 2012! My current workplace has employed me indefinitely.

And I'm aware of the LMO route, which I would prefer to avoid, as I'm only a youth social worker, and I'm sure there's no shortage of those out there!

Any advice would be much appreciated.

cheers and thanks!